Gladiator Novel Questions! Trivia Quiz
Have you read the gladiator novel questions? This book shows the journey where Marcus Aurelius wanted to give power to Maximus and not Commodus as Caesar. How well do you actually know this story? The quiz below is perfect for testing out just how much you remember from it. If you do not get the questions right you should try and read the book again. All the best as you tackle it!
- 1.
Why does the story begin with Maximus touching wheat as he walks?
- A.
Because wheat was very important in the Roman Empire
- B.
Because he was hungry and thinking about eating bread
- C.
Because Maximus was getting ready for battle in a wheat field
- D.
Because Maximus was thinking about his old life as a farmer
Correct Answer
D. Because Maximus was thinking about his old life as a farmerExplanation
The story begins with Maximus touching wheat as he walks because he was thinking about his old life as a farmer. This suggests that Maximus has a connection to the land and a longing for his previous life. It also sets the tone for the story and foreshadows the themes of nostalgia and longing for a simpler life that may be explored later on.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
Maximus was a __________ in the Roman army.
- A.
General
- B.
Captain
- C.
Commander
- D.
King
Correct Answer
A. GeneralExplanation
Maximus was a general in the Roman army.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
Before Caesar Marcus died, Lucilla said to Marcus, "This is a pleasant fiction." What was she talking about?
- A.
They are pretending that the war will be over forever.
- B.
They are reading a good story together.
- C.
They are pretending that they have a good relationship.
- D.
They are pretending that Commodus is a good man.
Correct Answer
C. They are pretending that they have a good relationship.Explanation
Lucilla's statement "This is a pleasant fiction" suggests that she is referring to the idea of having a good relationship with Marcus. This implies that their relationship may not be as good as they are pretending it to be, and they are putting up a facade of harmony and positivity.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
Why did Marcus think that Maximus would do a good job as the Protector of Rome.
- A.
Because Maximus has killed many enemy men.
- B.
Because Maximus has been to Rome many times and knows the city very well.
- C.
Because Lucilla loves Maximus.
- D.
Because Maximus has said that he does not want power and authority.
Correct Answer
D. Because Maximus has said that he does not want power and authority.Explanation
Marcus believed that Maximus would do a good job as the Protector of Rome because Maximus has expressed that he does not desire power and authority. This implies that Maximus would be a selfless leader who would prioritize the well-being of Rome and its people over personal gain. Marcus likely saw this as a valuable trait in a leader and believed that Maximus would use his skills and abilities for the benefit of the city.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
One of the Senators said, "The beating heart of Rome isn't in the walls of the Senate. It's on the sand of the Coliseum." What did this mean?
- A.
The Senator believes that the people of Rome have hearts made from sand.
- B.
The Senator believes that the physical center of the city is in the Coliseum, not in the center.
- C.
The Senator believes that there are more people in the Senate than in the Coliseum.
- D.
The Senator believes that people are more interested in fighting, violence, and entertainment than they are in politics and freedom.
Correct Answer
D. The Senator believes that people are more interested in fighting, violence, and entertainment than they are in politics and freedom.Explanation
The statement made by the Senator suggests that the true essence and passion of Rome lies in the Coliseum, where people are engaged in fighting, violence, and entertainment. This implies that the Senator believes that the citizens of Rome prioritize these activities over politics and freedom, indicating a lack of interest or involvement in governance and civic affairs.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
Why did Maximus have the letters SPQR on his arm?
- A.
They are his son's initials
- B.
SPQR is the Latin word for Maximus
- C.
SPQR are the letters of the Roman army
- D.
All gladiators get the letters SPQR tattooed on their arms.
Correct Answer
C. SPQR are the letters of the Roman armyExplanation
The correct answer is SPQR are the letters of the Roman army. SPQR stands for "Senatus Populusque Romanus," which translates to "The Senate and People of Rome." It was a symbol of the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire, representing the power and authority of the Roman government and military. Maximus, being a former Roman general and gladiator, would have had the letters SPQR on his arm as a mark of his allegiance and identity as a Roman soldier.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
After winning a fight in the Gladiator's ring, Maximus threw a sword in the crowd and shouted at them, "Are you not entertained?" Why did he say that?
- A.
He was angry because they enjoyed watching people die.
- B.
He was angry because someone in the crowd said the fight was boring.
- C.
He was happy because the crowd was cheering him loudly.
- D.
He was happy because he had just won a difficult fight.
Correct Answer
A. He was angry because they enjoyed watching people die.Explanation
Maximus said "Are you not entertained?" because he was angry that the crowd enjoyed watching people die. This suggests that he was disgusted by the bloodlust and lack of empathy shown by the spectators. It implies that Maximus had a moral objection to the violent nature of the gladiator fights and the audience's enjoyment of it.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
What did Proximo do "a long time ago"?
- A.
He worked on a farm.
- B.
He was the Caesar of Rome.
- C.
He won his freedom as a gladiator.
- D.
He met Maximus when Maximus was a child.
Correct Answer
C. He won his freedom as a gladiator.Explanation
The correct answer is "He won his freedom as a gladiator." This can be inferred from the phrase "a long time ago," which suggests that Proximo achieved something significant in the past. Winning his freedom as a gladiator would be a remarkable accomplishment and a plausible explanation for his current status or role.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
Commodus paid for the Games by ______________.
- A.
Selling gold and silver to the Germans
- B.
Selling wheat and taking money from the senators
- C.
Making new taxes for the people
- D.
Stealing money from his enemies
Correct Answer
B. Selling wheat and taking money from the senatorsExplanation
Commodus financed the Games by selling wheat and taking money from the senators. This suggests that he relied on both internal and external sources of income to fund the Games. Selling wheat would have provided a steady revenue stream, while taking money from the senators would have allowed him to tap into the wealth of the aristocracy. This approach allowed Commodus to maintain his lavish lifestyle and ensure the success of the Games without solely relying on one source of funding.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
In Rome, Maximus met a young boy. Why was Maximus surprised?
- A.
Maximus knew the boy's mother, Lucilla.
- B.
The boy challenged Maximus to a fight.
- C.
The boy killed a slave in the Colosseum.
- D.
Maximus thought the boy was his own son.
Correct Answer
A. Maximus knew the boy's mother, Lucilla.Explanation
Maximus was surprised because he knew the boy's mother, Lucilla. This suggests that Maximus did not expect to encounter Lucilla's son in Rome, possibly because he was unaware that Lucilla had a child or because he did not anticipate seeing them in that particular location. This unexpected encounter likely caught Maximus off guard and caused him to feel surprised.Rate this question:
-
- 11.
Why was Maximus so angry and full of hate?
- A.
He was not physically strong.
- B.
He didn't have a wife.
- C.
He didn't think anyone loved him.
- D.
He never became Caesar of Rome, and that was his dream.
Correct Answer
C. He didn't think anyone loved him.Explanation
Maximus was angry and full of hate because he believed that no one loved him. This feeling of being unloved can lead to anger and resentment, as it can make a person feel rejected and isolated. Without the emotional support and connection that comes from feeling loved, Maximus may have felt a deep sense of loneliness and despair, which fueled his anger and hatred towards others.Rate this question:
-
- 12.
When Maximus fought the Frenchman in the Colosseum, what animals were also in the arena?
- A.
Lions
- B.
Tigers
- C.
Bears
- D.
Lions, and tiger, and bears
Correct Answer
B. TigersExplanation
During Maximus's fight with the Frenchman in the Colosseum, tigers were also present in the arena.Rate this question:
-
- 13.
Throughout the book, why did Maximus continue to fight in the arena?
- A.
He wants to become Caesar of Rome.
- B.
He wants to lead the army again.
- C.
He wants to kill Commodus.
- D.
He wants to earn money fighting.
Correct Answer
C. He wants to kill Commodus.Explanation
Maximus continued to fight in the arena because he wanted to kill Commodus. Throughout the book, Maximus seeks revenge against Commodus for murdering his family and taking away his position as a general. Fighting in the arena provides Maximus with an opportunity to get closer to Commodus and ultimately achieve his goal of seeking justice for his loved ones.Rate this question:
-
- 14.
Why was a wooden sword important to Proximo?
- A.
He used it to fight the Romans.
- B.
Maximus made it for him.
- C.
His father had given it to him when he was a boy.
- D.
The Emperor gave it to him when he became free.
Correct Answer
D. The Emperor gave it to him when he became free.Explanation
The wooden sword was important to Proximo because the Emperor gave it to him when he became free. This implies that the wooden sword held sentimental value to Proximo as a symbol of his freedom and independence. It may have served as a reminder of his past struggles and the journey he had undertaken to gain his freedom.Rate this question:
-
- 15.
Why did Juba bury two wooden figures?
- A.
Because he thinks it will help him find his wife and children in Africa
- B.
So that Maximus will be able to find his wife and son in the next life.
- C.
So that Commodus won't find them.
- D.
So that he can come back and find them later.
Correct Answer
B. So that Maximus will be able to find his wife and son in the next life.Explanation
Juba buried two wooden figures so that Maximus will be able to find his wife and son in the next life. This suggests that Juba believes in an afterlife where Maximus will be reunited with his loved ones. By burying the wooden figures, Juba is symbolically ensuring that they will be together again in the next life, showing his deep faith and loyalty to Maximus.Rate this question:
-
- 16.
Immediately after Marcus died, what did Commodus do? Check all that are correct.
- A.
Orders his guards to put Maximus in jail
- B.
Orders his men to kill Maximus's family
- C.
Gives Maximus one chance to join him
- D.
Admits that he killed Marcus
Correct Answer(s)
B. Orders his men to kill Maximus's family
C. Gives Maximus one chance to join himExplanation
After Marcus died, Commodus ordered his men to kill Maximus's family and also gave Maximus one chance to join him.Rate this question:
-
- 17.
Which of the following were Proximo's slaves?
- A.
Haken
- B.
Quintus
- C.
Juba
- D.
Maximus
Correct Answer(s)
A. Haken
C. Juba
D. MaximusExplanation
Proximo's slaves were Haken, Juba, and Maximus. These individuals were under Proximo's ownership and were forced to fight as gladiators for his entertainment.Rate this question:
-
- 18.
Which of these titles did Maximus have?
- A.
Commander of the Army of the North
- B.
General of the Western Armies
- C.
Caesar of Rome
- D.
Captain of the Spanish Army
Correct Answer(s)
A. Commander of the Army of the North
B. General of the Western ArmiesExplanation
Maximus held the titles of Commander of the Army of the North and General of the Western Armies. These titles indicate that Maximus had significant military authority and was responsible for leading and commanding armies in both the northern and western regions. The titles of Caesar of Rome and Captain of the Spanish Army are not mentioned and therefore cannot be considered as correct answers.Rate this question:
-
- 19.
Who is alive at the end of the book?
- A.
Proximo
- B.
Commodus
- C.
Maximus
- D.
Lucilla
Correct Answer
D. LucillaExplanation
Lucilla is alive at the end of the book.Rate this question:
-
- 20.
What things are important to Maximus?
- A.
Honor
- B.
Family
- C.
Money
- D.
Power
Correct Answer(s)
A. Honor
B. FamilyExplanation
Maximus values honor and family because throughout the movie "Gladiator," he consistently demonstrates his unwavering loyalty and love for his family. He prioritizes his duty to protect and uphold his family's honor above all else. This is evident when he refuses to betray his emperor and country, even at the cost of his own life. Maximus's actions and decisions are driven by his strong sense of honor and his deep connection to his family, making these two things important to him.Rate this question:
-
- 21.
Lucilla was once in love with Maximus.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Lucilla being once in love with Maximus is stated as true. This implies that at some point in the past, Lucilla had romantic feelings for Maximus.Rate this question:
-
- 22.
After Marcus died, Commodus ordered Maximus to be killed. However, one of the Roman soldiers who loved Maximus let him go instead.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because after Marcus died, Commodus did order Maximus to be killed. There is no mention of a Roman soldier saving Maximus in the given information. Therefore, the correct answer is false.Rate this question:
-
- 23.
Proximo went to Africa to capture slaves to use as Gladiators.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Proximo did not go to Africa to capture slaves to use as gladiators. In the movie "Gladiator," Proximo is a former gladiator who becomes a trainer and manager of gladiators. He does not engage in slave trading or capture slaves himself. Therefore, the statement is false.Rate this question:
-
- 24.
When a gladiator won a battle, he raised his right arm to show that he had won.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because historically, when a gladiator won a battle in ancient Rome, it was customary for them to raise their right arm as a sign of victory. This gesture was a way to communicate their success to the audience and acknowledge their triumph. It became a recognized symbol of victory in gladiatorial combat and was often accompanied by cheers and applause from the spectators.Rate this question:
-
- 25.
Commodus makes his fight against Maximus unfair by giving Maximus poison before the fight.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
There is no information provided in the question or answer choices to suggest that Commodus gives Maximus poison before their fight. Therefore, the statement is false.Rate this question:
-
- 26.
An ______________ is a place where gladiators fight.
Correct Answer
arenaExplanation
An arena is a designated space or venue where gladiators engage in combat or fights. It is a place specifically designed for such events, providing an enclosed area for spectators to witness the battles. The term "arena" is commonly used to refer to the ancient Roman amphitheaters where gladiatorial contests took place, but it can also be applied to modern-day arenas used for various types of combat sports or entertainment events.Rate this question:
- 27.
A _________________ is a piece of armor that a soldier wears on his head.
Correct Answer
helmetExplanation
A helmet is a piece of armor that a soldier wears on his head. It is designed to protect the head from injuries caused by projectiles, blunt force, or falls. Helmets are typically made of strong materials such as metal or reinforced plastic and often include padding or suspension systems for added comfort and impact absorption. Soldiers wear helmets to safeguard their heads during combat or other dangerous situations, reducing the risk of head trauma and increasing their overall safety on the battlefield.Rate this question:
- 28.
A _____________ is a long weapon with a blade on the end.
Correct Answer
spear, speerExplanation
A spear is a long weapon with a blade on the end. It is typically used for thrusting or throwing at a target. The word "speer" is a misspelling of "spear" and does not have any meaning in this context.Rate this question:
- 29.
A _______________ is something that a soldier rides in. It is pulled by a horse.
Correct Answer
chariot, cartExplanation
A chariot or a cart is a vehicle that a soldier rides in, which is pulled by a horse. Both options fit the description given in the question. A chariot is a type of vehicle used in ancient warfare, typically with two wheels and pulled by horses. A cart, on the other hand, is a vehicle with four wheels, often used for transporting goods. Therefore, either a chariot or a cart can be the correct answer to this question.Rate this question:
- 30.
The Senate is part of the Roman government.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The Senate being part of the Roman government is historically accurate. In ancient Rome, the Senate was a political institution composed of wealthy and influential individuals who advised the magistrates and had significant decision-making power. They were responsible for making laws, managing finances, and overseeing foreign affairs. The Senate played a crucial role in the governance of the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire. Therefore, it is correct to say that the Senate is part of the Roman government.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Aug 01, 2013Quiz Created by
BookNookGRR
Back to top